TW201804825A - Managing a parameter of an unmanned autonomous vehicle based on manned aviation data - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments include devices and methods for an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) to receive manned aviation data from communication equipment available on the UAV without requiring the use of manned aviation radios and transponder equipment. A processor of the UAV may receive manned aviation data over a communication link with a communication network (e.g., the Internet) coupled to a server or network element that has access to manned aviation data. Communications with the communication network may be accomplished via the same communication channels used to transmit and receive mission-critical and payload communications. The processor may analyze the manned aviation data stream to obtain and identify relevant data, and may adjust a parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aviation data stream. In various embodiments, the processor of the UAV may send UAV flight information to the communication network for inclusion in a manned aviation radio system broadcast.

Description

Management of parameters of unmanned autonomous aircraft based on manned aviation data

This patent application claims the benefit of priority to US Provisional Application No. 62/362,838, entitled "Managing a Flight Parameter of an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Based on Manned Aviation Data", filed on July 15, 2016, The entire contents of this provisional application are incorporated herein by reference.

The content of this case is about the parameters of managing unmanned autonomous vehicles based on manned aviation data.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being developed for a wide range of applications, sometimes referred to as "unmanned aerial vehicles." It is expected that a large number of UAVs may one day occupy airspace below GM and commercial aviation (eg, 500 feet or less). UAV tends to be small with limited payload carrying capacity. Some UAVs are powered by multiple fixed-pitch rotors that are driven by a controllable motor, providing take-off, hover, landing, and flight capabilities with high control and freedom.

Due to the limited payload capacity of the UAV, a lightweight communication system is preferred. For example, the UAV can be equipped to communicate with a cellular communication network (eg, a 3G, 4G, and/or 5G communication network) and/or a local wireless network such as a WiFi network. Since UAVs fly at relatively low altitudes, UAV communications can communicate using a ground-based cellular network. However, the limited payload capacity of the UAV prohibits the UAV from being equipped with professional radios that are used in commercial and general aviation aircraft to receive information from the aeronautical radio network. As a result, UAVs generally do not benefit from information sent via an aeronautical network available on a manned aircraft, such as instant air traffic information and weather information.

Various embodiments include methods that can be implemented on UAVs and network elements for managing UAV-based parameters based on manned aeronautical data. Various embodiments may include: receiving a manned aerial data stream via a communication link with a communication network; analyzing the manned aerial data stream; and adjusting parameters of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream . In some embodiments, adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aeronautical data stream may include: determining whether information related to the UAV is included in the analyzed manned aerial data stream; and, responding The information relating to the UAV is determined to be included in the analyzed manned aerial data stream, and the parameter of the UAV is adjusted based on the information associated with the UAV. In some embodiments, adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aeronautical data may include adjusting a flight parameter of the UAV, a sensor parameter of the UAV, or a camera parameter of the UAV.

In some embodiments, the communication link with the communication network can include a cellular data communication link. In some embodiments, the communication network can include an internet network. In some embodiments, receiving the manned aeronautical data stream via the communication link with the communication network can include: via a communication link with one of the means for receiving mission critical communication and payload communication thereon The same communication link receives the manned aerial data stream. In some embodiments, receiving the manned aerial data stream via the communication link with the communication network can include receiving the manned aerial data stream from a network element of the communication network. In some embodiments, the manned aerial data stream includes information from a passenger aviation radio system. In some embodiments, the manned aeronautical data stream may include Automatic Related Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data or mode S transponder system data. In some embodiments, adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream can include altering one or more of a flight direction, a flight speed, and an altitude based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream.

Various embodiments include a method of transmitting flight information from a UAV to a manned aeronautical information system that can be implemented on a UAV. Various embodiments may include establishing a communication link between the UAV and the communication network; and transmitting UAV flight information for inclusion in the broadcast by the passenger aviation information system to the network element of the communication network.

In some embodiments, transmitting UAV flight information to a network element of the communication network can include transmitting via the same communication link as the communication link used to transmit one of mission critical communication and payload communication thereon. The flight information. In some embodiments, establishing the communication link between the UAV and the communication network can include providing authentication credentials for verifying the UAV's permission to provide the UAV flight information to the passenger aviation information system. In some embodiments, transmitting the UAV flight information for the network component included in the passenger aviation radio system to the network element of the communication network may include formatting the UAV flight information to be available to the passenger aviation The format used by the radio system. In some embodiments, the UAV flight information includes one or more of location information, altitude information, route information, speed information, and sensor information. In some embodiments, the communication link between the UAV and the communication network can include a cellular data communication link.

Further embodiments may include a UAV including: a radio module, an avionics module, and coupled to the radio module and the avionics module and configured to have operations for performing the methods described above A processor, and/or a network element of the processor executable instructions, comprising: a network interface, and a processor coupled to the network interface and configured to perform the operations of the method described above A processor that executes instructions. Further embodiments may include UAVs and/or network elements including elements for performing the functions of the methods described above. Further embodiments may include a processor readable storage medium, wherein processor executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a mobile communication device to perform the operations of the methods described above are stored on the processor readable storage medium.

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the References made to specific examples and embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Various embodiments provide a method implemented by a processor in a UAV for accessing data available to general and commercial aircraft in other aspects using communication resources (such information can be stored in the communication resource), the communication resource UAV is available via the use of a network (eg, the Internet). UAVs can use such manned aeronautical data to manage UAV flight operations. Various embodiments also provide a method implemented by a processor in a UAV for transmitting UAV flight information to a passenger aviation information system using communication resources available to the UAV. Various embodiments enable UAVs to benefit from and contribute to the aeronautical data streams provided for general and commercial aviation without the need to carry heavy communication equipment required to directly receive such data streams. .

As used herein, the term "UAV" refers to one type of unmanned aerial vehicle of many types of unmanned aerial vehicles. The UAV can include an onboard computing device configured to drive and/or operate the UAV without remote operating instructions, such as from a human operator or a remote computing device (ie, autonomously). Alternatively, the onboard computing device can be configured to utilize a number of remote operating instructions or updates to instructions stored in the memory of the onboard computing device to drive and/or operate the UAV. One of the plurality of propulsion units, each comprising one or more rotors that provide propulsion and/or lift for the UAV, may be used to propel the UAV for flight. In addition, the UAV may include wheels, tank-tread or other non-aeronautical moving mechanisms to effect movement on the ground or via water. The UAV propulsion unit may be powered by one or more types of power sources, such as batteries, fuel cells, motor generators, solar cells, or other power sources, which may also be onboard computing devices, navigation components, and/or other devices. The load component provides power.

The manned aviation radio network provides a variety of flight information to the aircraft. Aeronautical data streams carried over such aeronautical radio networks can provide navigation information for general and commercial aircraft, information about nearby air traffic, local weather conditions and forecasts, and convenient information such as NOTAM And other such information. Manned aeronautical radio information is typically transmitted via a variety of radio networks, ultra high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) radio channels and radar frequencies such as automatic correlation monitoring broadcast (ADS-B) and mode S transponder systems. Was broadcast. In general, professionally certified radios are required to receive each type of manned aerial data stream in multiple types of manned aerial data streams. Such professional radio equipment is conveniently installed in a manned aircraft having a large payload capacity.

In another aspect, the more limited capacity of the UAV prohibits the UAV from being equipped with a professional radio for receiving information from the aeronautical radio network. UAVs are typically used in a variety of applications including, inter alia, surveillance, photography, power or telecommunication transponder functions and delivery, and are increasingly being equipped with cellular communication networks such as 3G, 4G and/or 5G wireless telephone communication networks. Road and Wi-Fi-based local wireless network communication. The use of a cellular communication network is feasible for UAVs because the UAVs fly at relatively low altitudes and are therefore flying close to the ground-based cellular network. Such wireless communication devices tend to be small and lightweight, as indicated by modern smart phones.

The UAV may need or benefit from access to information such as current air traffic information and weather information currently available via the passenger aviation radio network. However, the various radio receivers necessary to receive different manned aeronautical radio broadcasts and data streams are very heavy in payload capacity compared to UAVs and are typically performed poorly at low altitudes where most UAVs fly. Therefore, in general, UAVs are not able to receive information from the passenger aviation radio network.

Various embodiments provide a method implemented by a processor in a UAV that utilizes a cellular network communication device that is generally available on a UAV to access a network, such as an Internet, from which human aviation data can be indirectly received. In various embodiments, the UAV's processor can receive a manned aerial data stream from a server storing such data via a cellular network communication link with a ground station via a ground-based communication network (eg, The Internet provides access to the server. The manned aerial data stream may include any aeronautical material obtained by a server from a passenger aviation radio system, such as, for example, an ADS-B system or a mode S system, and maintained or streamed for access by a variety of computing devices. The manned aerial data stream may include information such as information about traffic around the UAV (eg, heading and altitude of other aircraft including manned aircraft and/or other UAVs). The manned aerial data stream may also include information such as weather information and other information related to the operation of the UAV, such as NOTAM and other similar information.

In various embodiments, the UAV may receive a manned aerial data stream from a server of the communication system or another network element. In some embodiments, the server or network component of the communication system can access and/or receive information from the passenger aviation radio system and can generate a stream of manned aerial data. In some embodiments, the UAV may receive the manned aerial data stream via the same communication link as the communication link on which the UAV is used to receive mission critical communications and/or payload communications. Thus, in such embodiments, the UAV may receive manned aeronautical data streams, mission critical communications, and/or payload communications via a common communication link.

In some embodiments, the UAV's processor can analyze the manned aerial data stream to determine if the analyzed manned aerial data stream includes any UAV-related information. For example, the processor can identify information about traffic around the UAV, such as information about an approaching aircraft (eg, on a flight path that will traverse the UAV, on a collision route, etc.). As another example, the processor can identify relevant weather information, such as an impending storm. As another example, the processor may identify information detailing a restricted travel area (eg, a restricted airspace), a hazard to navigation, or other similar information.

In some embodiments, the UAV's processor can adjust the parameters of the UAV based on information in the manned aeronautical data stream. In some embodiments, the processor can adjust the parameters of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aeronautical data stream. In some embodiments, the processor may adjust the parameters of the UAV based on information from the analyzed manned aeronautical data stream that is determined to be related to the UAV. For example, the processor may adjust flight parameters such as flight direction, flight speed, or altitude based on information determined to be relevant to the UAV. In some embodiments, the processor can adjust the sensor parameters of the UAV. In some embodiments, the processor can adjust the camera parameters of the UAV.

Various embodiments provide a method implemented by a processor in a UAV for communicating UAV flight information to a passenger aviation information system via a communication device available on the UAV. The processor can transmit UAV flight information to a server or network element of the communication network via the same communication link as the communication link on which the UAV is used to transmit mission critical communications and/or payload communications. UAV flight information is transmitted in such a manner that UAV information can be included in a passenger aviation radio system broadcast (eg, ADS-B, mode S, etc.). In some embodiments, the UAV flight information may include information about the UAV, such as one or more of location information, altitude information, airline information, speed information, and sensor information from one or more sensors of the UAV. .

In some embodiments, the processor can format the UAV flight information into a format that can be used by the passenger aviation radio system broadcast. In some embodiments, the server or network element can incorporate UAV flight information into the manned aeronautical profile. In some embodiments, the server or network element may be a unit of a manned aeronautical radio broadcast system (eg, an ADS-B system or a mode S system). In some embodiments, the server or network element may store the manned aeronautical data in a data structure, such as a database or similar data structure.

In some embodiments, the manned aeronautical radio system can broadcast UAV flight information as part of a manned aeronautical radio system. In some embodiments, the processor may provide authentication credentials for verifying the UAV's permission to provide UAV flight information to the manned aeronautical information system, in addition to or in addition to the UAV flight information.

Various embodiments may be implemented within a variety of communication systems 100, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. Referring to FIG. 1, communication system 100 can include UAV 102, base station 104, communication network 106, network element 108, and radio broadcast station 110.

The base station 104 can be a base station or another similar access point that can provide wireless communication for accessing the communication network 106 via wired and/or wireless communication 122. Base station 104 can include small cells configured to be via a wide area (eg, macro cells) and can include minicells, femto cells, picocytes, Wi-Fi access points, and other similar network access points or A wireless access point provides a base station for wireless communication.

UAV 102 can communicate with base station 104 via wireless communication link 120. The wireless communication link 120 can include a plurality of carrier signals, frequencies, or frequency bands, each of the plurality of carrier signals, frequencies, or frequency bands can include a plurality of logical channels. The wireless communication link 120 can employ one or more radio access technologies (RATs). Examples of RATs that can be used in wireless communication links include 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, 5G, Global System for Mobile (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiplex Take (WCDMA), Global Interactive Microwave Access (WiMAX), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and other mobile telephony technologies Honeycomb RAT. Additional examples of RATs that may be used in one or more of the various wireless communication links within communication system 100 include such as Wi-Fi, LTE-U, LTE-Direct, LAA, MuLTEfire Class-like medium distance agreements and shorter range RATs such as ZigBee, Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE).

Network element 108, which may be a network server or another similar network element, may include a source of manned aeronautical information (eg, a database). Network element 108 may be included in a passenger aviation information system or be part of a manned aeronautical information system. Network element 108 may also include a server or network element of communication network 106 that may be in communication with a source of manned aeronautical information, such as a source of a portion of a manned aeronautical information system. Network element 108 can communicate with communication network 106 via a communication link 124, such as a regional network or the Internet.

The radio broadcast station 110 can communicate with the communication network 106 via a communication link 126 such as, but not limited to, the Internet. The radio broadcast station 110 can broadcast information about the manned aeronautical information system for receipt by manned commercial and general aviation aircraft. The manned aviation information may generally include information about the local traffic 112. The manned aviation information may also include information about weather conditions 114. Manned aviation information may also include convenient information such as NOTAM (Airline Notice) and other similar information.

The UAV 102 can receive the manned aerial data stream via the communication link 120 using the wireless communication resources available on the UAV 102. The manned aerial data stream may include one or more aspects of manned aeronautical information (eg, information about local traffic 112, weather conditions 114, and other such information). Manned aerial data streams may be provided by network element 108 via communication network 106.

In various embodiments, the UAV 102 can analyze the manned aerial data stream and can adjust the parameters based on the UAV's analysis of the manned aerial data stream. For example, UAV 102 may determine the presence of air traffic 112, although UAV 102 may not be able to detect air traffic 112 via a UAV 102 sensor (eg, a camera, radio frequency signal sensor, or another similar sensor). UAV 102 may further determine, for example, that air traffic 112 requires UAV 102 to make changes to parameters (eg, to avoid air traffic 112). As another example, the UAV 102 can determine the imminence of bad weather in the weather condition 114. Accordingly, UAV 102 may decide to make changes to the parameters to resolve the determined bad weather.

UAVs may include winged or gyroplane varieties. 2 illustrates an example UAV 200 with a rotary propulsion design that utilizes one or more rotors 202 driven by corresponding engines to provide lift (or takeoff) and other aeronautical movements (eg, forward, ascending, descending) , lateral movement, tilting, rotation, etc.). UAV 200 is shown as an example of a UAV that may utilize various embodiments, but is not intended to imply or require that various embodiments be limited to a rotorcraft UAV. Alternatively, various embodiments may be used with a winged UAV. Additionally, various embodiments may equally be used with land based autonomous aircraft, marine autonomous aircraft, and space based autonomous aircraft.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, UAV 200 can be similar to UAV 102. The UAV 200 can include a plurality of rotors 202, a frame 204, and landing posts 206 or rails. The frame 204 can provide structural support for the engine associated with the rotor 202. Landing post 206 can support the combined maximum load weight of the components of UAV 200, and in some cases support the payload. For ease of description and illustration, some detailed aspects of the UAV 200, such as wiring, rack structure interconnections, or other features that will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, are omitted. For example, although the UAV 200 is shown and described as having a frame 204 having a plurality of support assemblies or frame structures, the UAV 200 can be constructed using a molded frame in which support is obtained via a molded structure. Although the illustrated UAV 200 has four rotors 202, this is merely exemplary, and various embodiments may include more or less than four rotors 202.

The UAV 200 can also include a control unit 210 that can house various circuits and devices that are used to power the UAV 200 and control the operation of the UAV 200. The control unit 210 can include a processor 220, a power module 230, a sensor 240, a payload protection unit 244, an output module 250, an input module 260, and a radio module 270.

Processor 220 may be configured with processor-executable instructions for controlling the travel and other operations of UAV 200, including the operations of various embodiments. Processor 220 may include or be coupled to navigation unit 222, memory 224, gyroscope/accelerometer unit 226, and avionics module 228. The processor 220 and/or the navigation unit 222 can be configured to communicate with the server via a wireless connection (eg, a cellular data network) to receive material useful for navigation, to provide instant location reporting, and to access data.

The avionics module 228 can be coupled to the processor 220 and/or the navigation unit 222 and can be configured to provide similar information and travel such as altitude, attitude, airspeed, heading, and navigation unit 222 for navigation purposes. Control related information, such as dead reckoning between global navigation satellite system (GNSS) location updates. Gyroscope/accelerometer unit 226 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inertial sensor, or other similar sensor. The avionics module 228 can include or receive information from or from the gyroscope/accelerometer unit 226, which provides orientation with the UAV 200 that can be used in navigation and positioning calculations. Information related to acceleration.

The processor 220 can also receive additional information from the sensor 240 that can be used in navigation and positioning calculations. For example, sensor 240 can include an optical sensor (eg, capable of sensing other wavelengths of visible, infrared, ultraviolet, and/or light), radio frequency (RF) sensors, cameras, barometers, sonar transmitters/ A detector, radar emitter/detector, microphone or another acoustic sensor or another may provide a sensor that can be used by processor 220 for navigation and positioning calculations.

Additionally, the sensor 240 can include a contact or pressure sensor that can provide a signal indicating when the UAV 200 has made contact with the surface. The payload protection unit 244 can include a driver engine that is responsive to the grip and release mechanism of the control unit 210 and associated controls to capture and release the payload in response to commands from the control unit 210.

The power module 230 can include one or more batteries that can provide power to various components including the processor 220, the sensor 240, the payload protection unit 244, the output module 250, the input module 260, and the radio module 270. Additionally, power module 230 can include an energy storage component such as a rechargeable battery. The processor 220 can be configured to have processor-executable instructions for controlling charging of the power module 230 (ie, storage of harvested energy), such as by performing a charging control algorithm using a charging control circuit. Alternatively or additionally, power module 230 can be configured to manage its own charging. The processor 220 can be coupled to an output module 250 that can output control signals for managing the engine that drives the rotors 202 and other components.

The UAV 200 can be controlled via a single engine that controls the rotors 202 as the UAV 200 advances toward the destination. The processor 220 can receive material from the navigation unit 222 and use such information to determine the current location and orientation of the UAV 200 and the appropriate route to the destination or intermediate website. In various embodiments, navigation unit 222 can include a GNSS receiver system (eg, one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers) that enables UAV 200 to navigate using GNSS signals. Alternatively or additionally, navigation unit 222 may be equipped with a radio navigation receiver for use from, for example, a navigation beacon (eg, a high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) beacon), A wireless node of a Wi-Fi access point, a cellular network website, a radio station, a remote computing device, other UAVs, etc., receives navigation beacons or other signals.

The radio module 270 can be configured to receive navigation signals, such as signals from an aeronautical navigation facility, and provide such signals to the processor 220 and/or the navigation unit 222 for assistance in UAV navigation. In various embodiments, navigation unit 222 can use signals received from identifiable RF transmitters on the ground (eg, AM/FM radio stations, Wi-Fi access points, and cellular network base stations). The location, unique identification code, signal strength, frequency, and other characteristic information of such RF transmitters can be stored in memory and used to determine position when the RF signal is received by the radio module 270 (eg, via a triangular amount) Measurement and / or trilateral measurement). For example, information from the RF transmitter can be stored in the memory 224 of the UAV 200, stored in a ground-based server that communicates with the processor 220 via a wireless communication link, or stored in the memory 224 and ground-based. In the combination of servers.

The radio module 270 can include a data machine 274 and a transmit/receive antenna 272. The radio module 270 can be configured to perform wireless communication with a variety of wireless communication devices (e.g., wireless communication device 290), examples of which include a wireless telephone base station or cell tower (e.g., base station 104), beacons, A smart phone, tablet or another computing device (such as network element 108) with which the UAV 200 can communicate. The processor 220 can establish a two-way wireless communication link 294 between the radio module 270 and the wireless communication device 290 (via the transmit/receive antenna 292) via the data engine 274 and the antenna 272. In some embodiments, the radio module 270 can be configured to support multiple connections to different wireless communication devices using different radio access technologies.

The processor 220 can use the radio module 270 to communicate mission critical communications and payload communications to the terrestrial receiver via a common communication channel. Mission critical communications may involve UAV security and/or security, and may include telemetry (which may include control commands) as well as UAV status information. Mission critical communications can be exchanged between the UAV 200 and a controlled and/or secure ground station designated to maintain the UAV 200. The UAV status information may include information related to the current location of the UAV, current activity, resource status levels (eg, power level), and even imaging or sensor data related to mission critical and/or secure operations. Mission critical communications may also include flight commands, flight modes, information related to local air traffic, and other operational safety information.

Payload communication involves other non-mission critical communications of the UAV 200 (eg, typically not directly related to the security and/or security of the UAV). The payload communication may include communication with equipment on the UAV 200 for managing one or more mission objectives other than driving and flight safety. For example, payload communication may configure the sensor payload for measurement (eg, agricultural crop yield measurement in an agricultural environment) or configured to download a data archive that is collected during flight (such as with aircraft control or security) Irrelevant videos, etc.).

In various embodiments, the wireless communication device 290 can be connected to the server via an intermediate access point. In one example, wireless communication device 290 can be a server or web communication access point for a UAV service provider, third party service (eg, package delivery, billing, etc.). The UAV 200 can communicate with a server via one or more intermediate communication links, such as a radio telephone network coupled to a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) or other communication device. In some embodiments, UAV 200 may include and use other forms of radio communication, such as a mesh connection with other UAVs or with other information sources (eg, for collecting and/or distributing weather or other material harvesting) The connection of the information balloon or other station).

In various embodiments, control unit 210 can be equipped with an input module 260 that can be used in a variety of applications. For example, input module 260 can receive images or materials from an onboard camera or sensor, or can receive electronic signals from other components (eg, payloads).

Although various components of control unit 210 are illustrated as separate components, some or all of these components (eg, processor 220, output module 250, radio module 270, and other units) may be integrated together such as It is a single device or module of a monolithic system module.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 of managing parameters of a UAV (eg, 102, 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2) in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to Figures 1-3, method 300 can be implemented by a processor of UAV (e.g., processor 220, etc.).

In block 302, the processor can receive the manned aerial data stream via a communication link with a communication network (eg, the Internet). In some embodiments, the UAV's processor can receive the manned aeronautical data stream via a communication link with the communication network. In some embodiments, the communication network can include a cellular communication network coupled to another network, such as the Internet.

The manned aerial data stream may include information from a passenger aviation radio system such as, for example, an ADS-B system or a mode S system. The manned aerial data stream may include information such as information about traffic around the NAV (i.e., other aircraft including manned aircraft and/or other UAVs). Manned aerial data streams may also include information such as weather information and other information related to the operation of the UAV, such as NOTAM and other similar information.

In some embodiments, the processor may periodically access a repository of information from, for example, a manned aeronautical radio system of network element 108 via a communication network (e.g., communication network 106). In some embodiments, the processor may send a request or access request to the server or network node requesting aeronautical data and, upon response, receive a download of the information from the database or from other sources of the manned aerial data stream. In some embodiments, the processor may receive periodic transmissions (eg, "push") of information from a database or other source of manned aerial data streams.

In some embodiments, the processor may receive the manned aerial data stream in block 302 via the same communication link as the communication link on which the processor is used to receive mission critical communications and/or payload communications. In some embodiments, the processor can receive manned aeronautical data streams, mission critical communications, and/or payload communications via a common communication link with a communication network, such as radiotelephone cells of other networks or Wi-Fi network.

In block 304, the UAV's processor can analyze the manned aerial data stream. For example, a manned aerial data stream can include a digital bit stream, and the UAV's processor can analyze the digital bit stream. In some embodiments, the UAV may recognize one or more types of information in a digital bit stream, such as traffic information, weather information, information about navigation hazards and/or restrictions, or another type of information. In some embodiments, the UAV may assign a priority order to one or more types of information. In some embodiments, the UAV may assign a higher priority to specific information elements in the digital bit stream, such as indicating the incoming aircraft or weather or navigation including flight paths along the UAV. Information on hazards or restrictions.

In decision block 306, the UAV's processor can determine if there is any UAV-related information in the analyzed manned aeronautical data stream. In some embodiments, the processor may determine that the information is relevant based on the priority order assigned to the particular information. In some embodiments, the processor may be based on information about a threshold radius compared to the distance to the UAV (eg, an impending aircraft is located within a threshold radius of the UAV or will soon enter information of the threshold radius) The essence of language is to determine that information is relevant. As another example, the processor may determine that the information is relevant based on the relationship of the information to the current and/or projected path of the UAV. For example, if the storm will traverse the UAV's flight path, or the UAV will travel within the storm's threshold distance, the processor may decide that the storm is relevant. As another example, the processor may determine that the restricted airspace region is relevant because the UAV's flight path will traverse the restricted airspace.

In response to determining that there is no UAV-related information in the analyzed manned aeronautical data stream (ie, decision block 306 = "No"), the processor may continue to receive the manned aerial data stream in block 302.

In response to determining that there is UAV-related information in the analyzed manned aerial data stream (ie, decision block 306 = "Yes"), the processor may be based on the UAV-related manned aerial data stream in block 308. The information in the adjustment UAV parameters.

In some embodiments, the processor can adjust the flight parameters of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aeronautical data stream. For example, the processor can change one or more of the flight direction or flight path, flight speed, and altitude based on information associated with the UAV. As another example, the processor can control the UAV to drop to the charging station, find a shelter, avoid collisions, change a planned route to a destination, avoid impending weather events, make an emergency landing, or another behavior (which can include one Group behavior or a series of behaviors). In some embodiments, adjusting the parameters can include adjusting one or more specific parameters, such as direction, speed, or altitude. In some embodiments, adjusting the parameters can include initiating a preset behavior or set of instructions that involve two or more parameter adjustments.

In some embodiments, the processor can adjust the sensor parameters of the UAV's sensor based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream. For example, the processor can activate or deactivate a UAV sensor (eg, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a wind speed sensor, such as in response to an indication of inclement weather). The processor can adjust one or more aspects of the sensor, including sensitivity, focus, distance (eg, radius of scan from the UAV), scan direction, scan angle, scan period during which the scan is performed, or Frequency, scan point, or range (eg, frequency or frequency range being scanned, temperature or temperature range, humidity or humidity range, direction, or range of directions).

In some embodiments, the processor can adjust the camera parameters of the UAV's camera based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream. For example, the processor can activate or deactivate the camera, and the adjustment is related to an aspect of the UAV (eg, direction of motion with the UAV, flight angle, elevation, yaw, roll, orientation relative to gravity direction, altitude, or UAV's other One or more of the focal length, zoom, camera direction, camera angle of a similar aspect correlation.

In various embodiments, the processor may adjust one or more of flight parameters, sensor parameters, or camera parameters based on information in the manned aerial data stream.

The processor may then continue to receive the manned aerial data stream in block 302. Thus, the processor can monitor the manned aerial data stream in an iterative manner and adjust the flight parameters based on the UAV-related information identified in the manned aerial data stream.

4 illustrates a method 400 of transmitting flight information from a UAV (eg, 102, 200 in FIGS. 1 and 2) to a passenger aviation information system using communication resources available to the UAV, in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to Figures 1-4, method 400 can be implemented by a processor of UAV (e.g., processor 220, etc.).

In block 402, the processor can establish a communication link between the UAV and the communication network. For example, the processor can establish a communication link 120 between the UAV 102 and the base station 104 of the wireless telephone network coupled to the Internet, and then save via a general Internet communication protocol (eg, TCP/IP). A server or network element (e.g., network element 108) is taken.

In operation block 404, the processor can provide authentication credentials to the server or network element to verify that the UAV has permission to provide UAV flight information to the manned aeronautical information system. For example, the processor can provide authentication credentials to a server or network element (e.g., network element 108) to verify to the network element that the UAV is authorized to provide UAV flight information to the passenger aviation information system.

In block 406, the processor can transmit UAV flight information to a server or network component of the communication network. In some embodiments, the processor can transmit UAV flight information to a server or network element (e.g., network element 108) via a communication network (106), such as the Internet. The UAV flight information may include one or more of the location, altitude, heading, and speed of the UAV and information generated by one or more sensors in the UAV's sensors.

In some embodiments, transmitting UAV flight information to the communication network can include formatting the UAV flight information into a format usable by the passenger aviation radio system. For example, a manned aeronautical radio system may employ a specific data format or structure for the storage and/or transmission of manned aeronautical information. In some embodiments, the processor can format the UAV flight information into a data format or structure of the manned aeronautical information system and can transmit the formatted UAV flight information to the communication network.

In block 408, the UAV flight information may be incorporated into the passenger aviation data by the receiving server or network component. For example, a network element of a manned communication network (e.g., network element 108) may combine or include UAV flight information into manned aeronautical data.

In block 410, UAV flight information may be broadcast as part of a passenger aviation radio system broadcast. For example, the combined UAV flight information can be broadcast from a radio broadcast station (e.g., radio broadcast station 110). The broadcasted UAV flight information can be received by the manned aircraft and/or other UAVs. The broadcasted UAV flight information may be followed by a manned aircraft or another UAV, for example to avoid interference with UAVs (i.e., UAVs that transmit UAV flight information to the communication network) or to avoid collisions with the UAV. Therefore, UAV flight information can complement and improve manned aviation information provided by the manned aeronautical radio system.

In various embodiments, the UAV's processor receives and/or communicates with data from a server or network element (e.g., network element 108) of a communication network (e.g., communication network 106). Such a server or network element may generally include at least the components shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 5 illustrates an example server 500. Referring to Figures 1-5, server 500 can generally include a processor 501 coupled to volatile memory 502 and a large non-volatile memory such as disk drive 503. Server 500 may also include a floppy disk drive, a compact disk (CD), or a digital video compact disk (DVD) drive 506 coupled to processor 501. The server 500 can also include a network access port 504 (eg, one or more network interfaces) coupled to the processor 501 for establishing and coupling to other system computers and servers, such as the Internet. Data connection to the network of the road and / or regional network. Similarly, server 500 can include additional access ports such as USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt, etc. for coupling to peripherals, external memory, or other devices.

Various embodiments enable the UAV's processor to manage UAV parameters based on manned aeronautical data. Various embodiments also enable the transmission of UAV flight information to a manned aeronautical information system. Various embodiments enable the UAV to receive manned aeronautical information without carrying additional unrealistic and expensive radios for receiving information via the aeronautical radio link. Various embodiments improve the operation of the UAV by providing additional, potentially important information to the UAV, enabling the UAV's processor to perform parameter adjustments with improved accuracy to improve the security and efficiency of UAV operations. Various embodiments also improve the operation of the manned aeronautical information system by increasing the amount and accuracy of available information (via combining UAV flight information) to enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations (both manned and unmanned).

The various embodiments shown and described are provided only as examples for illustrating various features of the claims. However, the features shown and described with respect to any given embodiment are not necessarily limited to the associated embodiments, and may be used or combined with other embodiments shown and described. In addition, the claims are not intended to be limited by any of the example embodiments. For example, one or more of the operations of methods 300 and 400 are replaced with one or more operations of methods 300 and 400 or with one or more operations of methods 300 and 400, and vice versa.

The foregoing method descriptions and flowcharts are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, the order of the operations in the foregoing embodiments can be performed in any order. Such words as "after", "subsequent", "next" and the like are not intended to limit the order of the operations; these words are used to guide the reader through the description of the method. In addition, any reference to a claim element in the singular, "a" or "an"

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm operations described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as an electronic hardware, a computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and operations have been described above generally in terms of their function. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those of ordinary skill in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each particular application, but such embodiment decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the claim.

The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may utilize general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), special application integrated circuits (ASICs). ), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, individual gate or transistor logic, individual hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of receiver smart objects, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Alternatively, some operations or methods may be performed by circuitry dedicated to a given function.

In one or more aspects, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium or non-transitory processor readable storage medium. The operations of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor executable software module or processor executable instructions that may be located on a non-transitory computer readable or processor readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer readable or processor readable storage medium can be any storage medium that can be accessed by a computer or processor. Such non-transitory computer readable or processor readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage device, magnetic storage device or other magnetic storage, by way of example and not limitation. A smart object or any other medium that can be used to store a desired code in the form of an instruction or data structure and that can be accessed by a computer. Disks and optical discs as used herein include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy discs, and Blu-ray discs, where the discs typically magnetically replicate data while the discs utilize lasers. Optically copy data. Combinations of the above are also included in the scope of non-transitory computer readable and processor readable media. Additional operations, methods or algorithms may be used as a code and/or instructions in a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium and/or computer-readable storage medium incorporated into a computer program product. Instructions or any combination or set thereof exist.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the claim. Various modifications to these embodiments are obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Therefore, the content of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but the broadest scope of the claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

100‧‧‧Communication system
102‧‧‧Unmanned autonomous aircraft (UAV)
104‧‧‧Base station
106‧‧‧Communication network
108‧‧‧Network components
110‧‧‧ radio station
112‧‧‧Local traffic
114‧‧‧ weather conditions
120‧‧‧Communication links
122‧‧‧Wired and / or wireless communication back
124‧‧‧Communication link
126‧‧‧Communication link
200‧‧‧UAV
202‧‧‧Rotor
204‧‧‧Rack
206‧‧‧ Landing column
210‧‧‧Control unit
220‧‧‧ processor
222‧‧‧ navigation unit
224‧‧‧ memory
226‧‧‧Gyro/accelerometer unit
228‧‧‧Avionics Module
230‧‧‧Power Module
240‧‧‧ sensor
244‧‧‧ payload protection unit
250‧‧‧Output module
260‧‧‧ input module
270‧‧‧ radio module
272‧‧‧Send/receive antenna
274‧‧‧Data machine
290‧‧‧Wireless communication equipment
292‧‧‧Send/receive antenna
294‧‧‧Two-way wireless communication link
300‧‧‧ method
302‧‧‧ squares
304‧‧‧ square
306‧‧‧ squares
308‧‧‧ squares
400‧‧‧ method
402‧‧‧ square
404‧‧‧ square
406‧‧‧ square
408‧‧‧ squares
410‧‧‧ square
500‧‧‧Server
501‧‧‧ processor
502‧‧‧ volatile memory
503‧‧‧Disk machine
504‧‧‧Network access
506‧‧‧Digital Video CD (DVD) Drive

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in FIG.

1 is a system block diagram of a communication system in accordance with various embodiments.

2 is a component block diagram showing components of a UAV in accordance with various embodiments.

3 is a flow chart showing a method of managing parameters of a UAV, in accordance with various embodiments.

4 is a flow chart showing a method of transmitting flight information from a UAV to a passenger aviation information system, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components of a network element in accordance with various embodiments.

Domestic deposit information (please note according to the order of the depository, date, number)

Foreign deposit information (please note in the order of country, organization, date, number)

300‧‧‧ method

302‧‧‧ squares

304‧‧‧ square

306‧‧‧ squares

308‧‧‧ squares

Claims (30)

A method for managing a parameter of an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) based on a manned aerial data, comprising the steps of: receiving a manned aerial data stream via a communication link with a communication network; Streaming for analysis; and adjusting a parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream comprises the steps of: determining whether information related to the UAV is included in the analyzed manned aerial data stream And in response to determining that the information associated with the UAV is included in the analyzed manned aerial data stream, adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the information associated with the UAV. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream comprises the step of: adjusting a flight parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream comprises the step of: adjusting a sensor parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream comprises the step of: adjusting a camera parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication link with the communication network comprises a cellular data communication link. According to the method of claim 1, wherein the communication network is the Internet. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the manned aerial data stream via the communication link with the communication network comprises the step of: via an item in communication with the mission critical communication and payload for receiving thereon The same communication link of the communication link receives the manned aerial data stream. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the manned aerial data stream via the communication link with the communication network comprises the step of receiving the manned aerial data stream from a network component of the communication network. The method of claim 1, wherein the manned aerial data stream comprises information from a passenger aviation radio system. The method of claim 10, wherein the information from the manned aeronautical radio system comprises Automatic Related Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data or mode S transponder system data. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the parameter of the UAV based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream comprises the steps of: changing a flight direction, a flight speed, and a based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream One or more of the altitudes. An unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) comprising: a radio module; an avionics module; and a processor coupled to the radio module and the avionics module and configured to have the following Operating processor executable instructions: receiving a manned aerial data stream via a communication link with a communication network; analyzing the manned aerial data stream; and based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream Adjust a parameter of the UAV. According to the UAV of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine whether information related to the UAV is included in the analyzed manned aerial data stream; and in response to determining that information related to the UAV is Included in the analyzed manned aerial data stream, the parameter of the UAV is adjusted based on the information associated with the UAV. According to the UAV of claim 13, wherein the processor is also configured such that the communication link with the communication network includes a cellular data communication link. According to the UAV of claim 13, wherein the processor is also configured to receive the manned aviation data via the same communication link as the one used to receive the mission critical communication and payload communication thereon Streaming. According to the UAV of claim 13, wherein the processor is also configured to receive the manned aerial data stream from a network component of the communication network. According to the UAV of claim 13, wherein the processor is also configured to cause the manned aerial data stream to include information from a passenger aviation radio system. According to the UAV of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to: change one or more of a flight direction, a flight speed, and an altitude based on the analyzed manned aerial data stream. A method of transmitting flight information from an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) to a manned aeronautical information system, comprising the steps of: establishing a communication link between the UAV and a communication network; and providing a network to the communication network The road component transmits UAV flight information for inclusion in a broadcast by a passenger aviation information system. The method of claim 20, wherein the transmitting the UAV flight information to a network component of the communication network comprises the step of: transmitting the same via a communication link for transmitting one of mission critical communication and payload communication thereon The communication link sends the UAV flight information. The method of claim 20, wherein establishing the communication link between the UAV and the communication network comprises the step of providing authentication for verifying a license for the UAV to provide the UAV flight information to the manned aviation information system certificate. The method of claim 20, wherein transmitting the UAV flight information for inclusion in the broadcast of a passenger aviation radio system to a network component of the communication network comprises the step of formatting the UAV flight information as A format used by the manned aeronautical radio system. According to the method of claim 20, the UAV flight information includes one or more of location information, altitude information, route information, speed information, and sensor information. The method of claim 20, wherein the communication link between the UAV and a communication network comprises a cellular data communication link. A system for transmitting flight information from an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) to a manned aeronautical information system, comprising: a UAV comprising: a radio module; an avionics module; and a processor Coupled to the radio module and the avionics module, and configured to have processor-executable instructions for: establishing a communication link between the UAV and a communication network; and communicating to the communication network A network element transmits UAV flight information for inclusion in a broadcast by a passenger aviation information system. The system of claim 26, wherein the processor of the UAV is also configured to transmit the flight via a same communication link as the one used to transmit one of mission critical communications and payload communications thereon News. The system of claim 26, wherein the processor of the UAV is further configured to provide an authentication credential for verifying that the UAV provides the UAV flight information to the manned aeronautical information system. The system of claim 26, wherein the processor of the UAV is also configured to format the UAV flight information into a format usable by the passenger aviation information system. The system of claim 26, wherein the processor of the UAV is also configured to cause the UAV flight information to include one or more of location information, altitude information, route information, speed information, and sensor information.